Don’t axe hedge, say residents

PLANS to destroy a 100m-long ancient country hedge in order to create a driveway in Highmoor have been condemned as “selfish” and “vain” by residents.

Satwell Properties, which owns the Satwell Estate, has applied for planning permission for a new entrance and driveway off New Road.

The application to South Oxfordshire District Council, the planning authority, says this would “create a stunning journey experience for the owners and their visitors while approaching Satwell House”.

It would link up the three houses on the estate, Satwell House, Cherry Tree Cottage and Stonehouse Farm while maintaining each one’s identity and privacy.

The new entrance would require the hedge surrounding that part of the estate to be removed, although the owners say they would plant a new hedge set back from the road.

A previous plan was submitted in February but has now been amended following criticism by neighbours that it is a “vanity project”.

Opponents say the estate already has a main entrance off the B481, which includes a “brightly illuminated driveway”, and three or four more access points.

They say the proposed new hedge would take many years to grow and the proposed lawn area in between would lead to a huge loss of biodiversity. Peter Allport, from Witheridge Hill, said locals were already upset about the installation of “landing strip” lighting on the estate which was on at all hours.

He said: “Local walkers may also be familiar with the 2m high close mesh security fencing surrounding much of the Satwell Estate and bright security lighting, which are totally inappropriate in this beautiful AONB and seriously impede the passage and wellbeing of much of the wildlife that graces this area.

“The planning application was not rejected. Instead, an amended version that tinkers round the edges but still requires the destruction of the hedge is now being considered.

“The current hedge is a haven for wildlife and also prevents run- off and erosion during heavy rain. A new hedge would take many years to provide a similar haven and would not prevent run-off.

“What they are proposing is totally inappropriate for the locally rural area in which we live. This isn’t Virginia Water, it’s a small hamlet in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

“They want to create a more impressive entrance for the owners and their guests and we have to pay a hell of a price.

“The design is ugly and inappropriate and totally out of keeping with the local area but the damage to the ecosystem that we care so much about is the worst bit.

“This country is facing biodiversity collapse. Our wildlife has reduced by almost 50 per cent since 1970, pollinators have dropped by 65 per cent since 2000 and one in six species is facing extinction.”

Highmoor Parish Council criticised the application for loss of biodiversity and the potential increased danger to road users.

It said: “The shape of the current hedge serves to visually narrow the road, which helps to slow down traffic.

“Its replacement in parts with a straight, modern hedge would not only detract from the rural nature of the road but would also encourage speeding just as we, as a parish, are trying to slow it down.

“The replacement hedge is shown as being partially beech, a poor substitute for an old mixed species hedge, and a rather suburban element to introduce to an area of traditional landscape, especially with new large metal gates with some associated lighting.”

Michael Green, from Witheridge Hill, said: “There is already a number of entrances to the estate off the B481, including the main entrance.

“This is a straight drive with lime trees on either side, which is illuminated like a landing strip.

“For several years these powerful lights have been left on all night, although cynically they have been turned off since the original application was published.

“The current application is for a similar entrance to be built on a narrow road between Highmoor and Stoke Row. It would involve the destruction of more than 100 linear metres of 3m high ancient country hedge, resulting in considerable habitat loss.

“The works, construction of the entrance, roadworks on the land and excavation of the lake would require a lot of heavy construction traffic on the road.

“This would impede the local flow of traffic, causing drivers to divert on to the partially single-track lane over Witheridge Hill, with two blind bends to negotiate.

“Why should local residents be put in this position just to enable this vanity project to go ahead and blight our wonderful country environment?

“I hope the planning officer and members of the committee will make a site visit to understand the negative impact the proposed development would have on the flora, fauna and beauty of this rural part of Oxfordshire.”

Melinda Swann, from Highmoor Cross, called the owners “selfish”.

She said: “If people wish to live and buy property in the countryside, they should abide by the countryside code and not instil foreign or city codes simply because of vanity. The hedge on the road must stay. It is a haven for wildlife and there are numerous animal pathways through it. A new hedge would take years to grow before it provided a similar wildlife habitat. Why do the owners wish to disrupt the village so selfishly? They already have an ‘illuminated runway’ leading off the B481. Enough is enough.”

Monica and Vladimir Brailovsky, from Witheridge Hill, said: “The new proposal… does not address the main issues against it, i.e. the irreparable destruction of the ancient hedge and its habitat and the danger and inconvenience of heavy vehicles circulating from Highmoor Cross.

“The proposed changes would harm the community and no one except the owners of Satwell House would benefit.”

Jason and Francesca Berry, from Witheridge Hill, said: “The existing hedging, which has been in place for hundreds of years, must remain as is, with no fencing inserted. This is to protect wildlife, which roams freely across this area and specifically through the hedging.”

Debbie Warren-Price, from Highmoor Cross, said: “The proposed new entrance is unnecessary and detrimental to the immediate surrounding area.

“The estate has already erected high green mesh fencing along parts of the boundary and if they continue in this vein it will be unsightly, restrictive to users of footpaths and potentially harmful to the abundant wildlife we all enjoy seeing in this AONB.”